How do you update Garmin Nuvi 205 maps? I am looking to replace an old Garmin that has very outdated maps. Do the newer devices update automatically via satellite? Or do updated maps need to be downloaded for an additional fee? How do you update Garmin Nuvi 205 maps? I am looking to replace an old Garmin that has very outdated maps. Do the newer devices update automatically via satellite? Or do updated maps need to be... » Read More How do you update Garmin Nuvi 205 maps? I am looking to replace an old Garmin that has very outdated maps. Do the newer devices update automatically via satellite? Or do updated maps need to be downloaded for an additional fee? « Show Less
38000
Some new devices include (at a higher cost) the "lifetime update" option, while others (at less cost) do not... needless to say, you get what you pay for. Rather than replace your old Garmin, you might be better to just buy a map upgrade. Be careful, though, and don't do what I did: I recently bought a lifetime map upgrade for my Nuvi 205, and when it came in the mail, I was shocked to read the fine print and learn that the 205 has limited memory and that this update could not be loaded fully into a 205. MAKE SURE the map update that you buy is compatible with your specific model. Some new devices include (at a higher cost) the "lifetime update" option, while others (at less cost) do not... needless to say, you get what you pay for. Rather than replace your old Garmin, you might be better to just buy a map upgrade. Be careful, though, and don't do what I did: I recently bought a lifetime map upgrade for my Nuvi 205, and when it came in the mail, I was shocked to read the fine print and learn that the 205 has limited memory and that this update could not be loaded fully into a 205. MAKE SURE the map update that you buy is compatible with your specific model.
38001
Thanks so much. My old Garmin has very limited memory so I have to change what part of the country is stored before I head out on a trip -- very annoying. I can use Sprint Navigator on my phone, so maybe that will be my choice and good-bye Garmin.
293714
Plug the computer cable it came with into your computer. Then follow the directions that pop up. You will go to the Garmin site and make an account, eventually it will lead you to the updates.
518884
If this is the Garmin GPS V. The GPS should have come with the drivers. I do have the drivers and they are outdated and do not work. I have contacted Garmin for support and there are no updates.
976340
I did it. I believe Garmin still sells the updates, two ways: one at a time for$xx and lifetime for about 2*$xx.It saves a lot of mental hassle on should I do it or wait awhile to do it to save some money.DH
1722182
I just bought the Garmin 255 and found out it has no maps downloaded.I thought it would be ready to go out of the box.It was a re-furbished unit,but I was under the impression it had everything ready for business.Was I wrong in my assumption?silverado_03
239922
Unlike these other morons that have the unit wired wrong. (If the unit resets, you have it wired wrong!) Yes, you can update the GPS maps. It is done via a dedicated SDHC card.
1289881
go to the gps find inf and look for 2008 version if sucessful it will show up there. I felt the same way you do and by using these updates in NC and SC I have not seen any updates. So you probably were sucessful as I was in two cases first getting the updates installed and two getting ripped off by Garmin see my rating and discussion. Good Luck.
1392413
Should you receive a unit with the older maps:Several of us who received the older v. 8 maps have been promised the new v. 2008 maps at no charge when the DVD is available. Can't promise, but Garmin was very nice to me about getting the map updates. I contacted techsupp, but others have also contacted product support with success. Hopefully Garmin has changed their policy to provide the map updates for free now, if you've purchased since the new version started shipping.
469605
As far as I can tell, the maps are current. You get regular updates after you register your GPS (just log in with it connected to your computer).
2041185
I found that the 3rd party maps ordered at a greatly discounted price does not allow for updates of maps. I guess if it came with the maps preloaded you would get the lifetime updates (LM). I currently have the European maps and get the updates. Did you purchase the unit with LM designated behind model number?
293713
We updated it at GARMINs website. It is relatively easy to do. I think we needed the serial number of the unit. It does take awhile - we left it update over night.
1500764
there is no fee to update your Garmin go here. https://my.garmin.com/maps/chooseDeviceType.htm?
2008744
I have the model with free lifetime map updates. You download software to your computer then plug in your GPS unit using the cable that comes with the unit. The software checks for updates then when one is available you can download it. Then the software gives you step by step instructions to get the update installed on the GPS.
1888451
I have a 2year old Garmin Nuvi, It now locks up w? car carger which renders it useless on long trips. Does this 205 have current (2010) maps. Do you believe replacing with this model is better than repairing/ putting new battery in the old?
984061
Petersen:Try e-mailing tech support instead.I e-mailed tech support (techsupp@garmin.com) instead of product support and have been told I'm in the order que, at no charge, for the DVD of the new v. 2008 maps when the DVD is released. I explained my situation and asked if they could help me out, as the v. 2008 is now really the "current" version, and they did. (I received my unit about a week ago from Amazon with the old maps; the new version was already being shipped to some customers at that time.) Edward: Very helpful info for those trying to purchase a unit with the new maps on it! Thanks-- Petersen:Try e-mailing tech support instead.I e-mailed tech support (techsupp@garmin.com) instead of product support and have been told I'm in the order que, at no charge, for the DVD of the new v. 2008 maps when the DVD is released. I explained my situation and asked if they could help me out, as the v. 2008 is now really the "current" version, and they did. (I received my unit about a week ago from Amazon with the old maps; the new version was already being shipped to some customers at that time.) Edward: Very helpful info for those trying to... » Read More Petersen:Try e-mailing tech support instead.I e-mailed tech support (techsupp@garmin.com) instead of product support and have been told I'm in the order que, at no charge, for the DVD of the new v. 2008 maps when the DVD is released. I explained my situation and asked if they could help me out, as the v. 2008 is now really the "current" version, and they did. (I received my unit about a week ago from Amazon with the old maps; the new version was already being shipped to some customers at that time.) Edward: Very helpful info for those trying to purchase a unit with the new maps on it! Thanks-- « Show Less
128505
Yes, you do have to pay for updates. Garmin just released updated maps. They are FREE for recent buyers of other units. But, Garmin will NOT give a free copy to buyers of the Garmin i5. The updated maps cost $70.
1004706
Typically, you update the unit for free once after purchase so they should be completely up to date. My best advice is to use the unit out of the box first without updates. It should have some maps in it and work, even if all roads aren't current. If it works as advertised, go ahead and update your U.S. maps right away then update the European maps about a month before your trip. If it doesn't work out of the box, return it and get a new unit right away. Some of the units have problems, it's best to get rid of the lemons immediately rather than try to fix them (I had this problem with a TomTom, once I sent it in for repairs - and they sent me a different unit back - I could no longer get a refund. Typically, you update the unit for free once after purchase so they should be completely up to date. My best advice is to use the unit out of the box first without updates. It should have some maps in it and work, even if all roads aren't current. If it works as advertised, go ahead and update your U.S. maps right away then update the European maps about a month before your trip. If it doesn't work out of the box, return it and get a new unit right away. Some of the units have problems, it's best to get rid of the lemons immediately rather than try to fix them (I had this problem with a... » Read More Typically, you update the unit for free once after purchase so they should be completely up to date. My best advice is to use the unit out of the box first without updates. It should have some maps in it and work, even if all roads aren't current. If it works as advertised, go ahead and update your U.S. maps right away then update the European maps about a month before your trip. If it doesn't work out of the box, return it and get a new unit right away. Some of the units have problems, it's best to get rid of the lemons immediately rather than try to fix them (I had this problem with a TomTom, once I sent it in for repairs - and they sent me a different unit back - I could no longer get a refund. « Show Less